Black Box FlexPoint 100Base-TX to 100Base-FX Media Converter

The FlexPoint™ family from Black Box is designed to be flexible, affordable, and easy to scale. The Black Box FlexPoint 100Base-TX to 100Base-FX Media Converter is a compact, standalone solution that provides copper-to-fiber Ethernet bridging, enabling you to extend your multimedia LAN with minimal downtime or disruption. Whether you are building a small office network, expanding a campus backbone, or linking buildings, this converter delivers reliable performance without forcing you into a costly, full-scale chassis system. It’s a smart, cost-effective upgrade path that preserves existing investments while delivering the speed and reach your network demands. As your network grows, FlexPoint converters can be upgraded to a chassis-based system, giving you a seamless migration path from standalone devices to a scalable, modular infrastructure.

• Copper-to-fiber bridging: 100Base-TX to 100Base-FX conversion lets you extend Ethernet over fiber while preserving your existing copper infrastructure.
• Standalone with upgrade potential: Start as a single, easy-to-deploy unit and move to a chassis-based FlexPoint system when you need greater port density and centralized management.
• Versatile fiber support: Designed to work with 100Base-FX fiber, supporting common MMF/SMF configurations and enabling long-distance, reliable links between buildings or across campuses.
• Plug-and-play operation: Simple deployment with auto-negotiation, auto MDI/MDI-X, and straightforward link status indicators to minimize setup time and maintenance.
• Rugged, adaptable design: Built to endure in network closets, server rooms, or field installations, with a compact form factor suitable for desktop or rack mounting (with optional accessories).

Technical Details of Black Box FlexPoint 100Base-TX to 100Base-FX Media Converter

• Standards: 100Base-TX (IEEE 802.3u) to 100Base-FX (IEEE 802.3u) Ethernet
• Interface: 1 x 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 copper port; 1 x 100Base-FX fiber port
• Fiber options: Supports 100Base-FX over Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) and Single-Mode Fiber (SMF), with transceiver compatibility dependent on model configuration
• Fiber connector: Typically SC/PC for 100Base-FX; connector type may vary by model
• Throughput: Typical Ethernet data rates aligned with 100 Mbps Ethernet standards
• Power: Internal power supply; input voltage range compatible with common mains standards
• LED indicators: Link/Activity, Power, and Fault indicators to simplify diagnostics
• Mounting: Desktop or rack-mountable; compatible with 19-inch racks using optional mounting hardware
• Port density: 2-port configuration (one copper, one fiber) in a compact standalone form factor
• Reliability: Fanless or low-noise operation depending on model, with robust housing suitable for office and equipment room environments

How to install Black Box FlexPoint 100Base-TX to 100Base-FX Media Converter

• Power down all devices in the path of the converter to ensure a safe installation.
• Connect the 10/100Base-TX copper side to your network switch or router using a standard Ethernet RJ-45 cable. Ensure the connected device supports auto-negotiation or matches the port speed to 100 Mbps if required.
• Connect the 100Base-FX fiber side to your fiber network segment using the appropriate fiber optic cable and connector type specified for your model (MMF or SMF as applicable).
• Power the unit on and verify the LED indicators. A steady link LED indicates a healthy copper-to-fiber link, while an activity LED confirms ongoing data transmission.
• If you plan to rack-mount, attach the optional rack ears and secure the unit in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. Ensure adequate ventilation and keep cables organized to maintain airflow and ease maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the FlexPoint 100Base-TX to 100Base-FX Media Converter used for? It provides copper-to-fiber conversion, allowing you to extend Ethernet networks over fiber and bridge legacy copper segments with newer fiber backbones.
• Can I start with a standalone converter and later upgrade to a chassis? Yes. FlexPoint converters are designed to be standalone devices with an upgrade path to a chassis-based system, enabling scalable growth as your network expands.
• What type of fiber does it support? The converter supports 100Base-FX over standard fiber, with compatibility depending on MMF/SMF type and the installed transceivers. Always verify the fiber type and connector requirements for your specific deployment.
• How do I install it? Install by connecting a copper Ethernet link on the RJ-45 port and a fiber link on the 100Base-FX port, power up the device, and confirm link and activity LEDs indicate a healthy connection. For rack use, mount with optional hardware and ensure proper ventilation.
• Does it require any special software? This is a standalone converter; no extensive software configuration is typically required. Basic functionality relies on auto-negotiation and standard Ethernet behavior.